Colgate University softball started their 2025 season off at the Kickoff Classic in Phoenix. Although the team failed to win any of their five games, there is still much to come, with the Sparkle City Invite in Spartanburg S.C. on Feb. 21 posing an exciting opportunity to showcase their prowess.
Head Coach Marissa Lamison-Myers reflected upon the tournament, where the team’s first-year members had their first taste of collegiate play in Arizona as the team played together for the first time.
“We had some really good things happen, and we had some not so good things happen,” Lamison-Myers said. “We got back to work — we have an off-weekend so we can practice some of the things that did not go the right way, and we are already improving. We took it as a learning opportunity.”
Senior catcher Quinn Livesay — who was named to the 12-person Preseason All-Patriot League squad and is playing off the back of a very successful season — also spoke about the tournament, including the warm weather and her experience as one of the players who is taking more responsibility this year.
“The experience [in Arizona] was fun, especially because my family was able to come out. It was good to see our [first-years] play, and we have a lot of them, so that was exciting,” Livesay said. “I am used to playing in warm weather, but it was refreshing to play out in 75-degree weather.”
Senior infielder Alexis Romero shared her views on how she thinks the team can learn and improve from the Kickoff Classic.
“I had a lot of fun out in Arizona, I think we played well and there’s a lot of learning opportunities and trying to figure out new spots and new positions,” Romero said. “Personally, I was in a new position — right field — so it was definitely different but just working together and emphasizing communication especially when people are in new positions [will help us progress].”
Lamison-Myers talked about the importance of recovering in the upcoming Sparkle City Invitational, where the team faces North Carolina A&T State University and Wofford College in a double header on Feb. 21 in South Carolina.
“I think next weekend is going to be the most important for us to see if we can bounce back from [Arizona] and what we have done in terms of learning and practicing,” Lamison-Myers said. “Our goal is to improve, and so I’m hoping this coming weekend we can show that.”
The coach also spoke about how the players are preparing for the upcoming tournament, one that will help determine how the team is developing.
“Taking care of their bodies is number one — that means enough food, enough sleep, time-off and then working on our individual skills that we need to improve on,” Lamison-Myers said.
She laid down her goals for the season, emphasizing three major prerequisites to help the team in the tournament.
“Our goal, like always, is to earn a berth to the Patriot League Tournament,” Lamison-Myers said. “In order to do so, number one, we must stay healthy. Number two: to help our first-years and make them comfortable. Number three is to be as successful as possible with our individual and team goals for the season.”
Romero pointed out the responsibilities she has as a senior to ensure the first-years settle in well and the team builds a good sense of camaraderie.
“As a senior, there is definitely more responsibility to ensure everyone is in check and doing well, as well as looking out for our younger [teammates],” Romero said. “We do a buddy system where each senior has their own first-year [to mentor], and I think that’s been very helpful in building that community together.”
Livesay, who has led the Patriot League in runners caught stealing for three consecutive seasons, elaborated on her personal goals and the team’s goals for the season.
“My goals, personally, are just quality at bats — not focusing on batting average but how many quality at-bats I can get,” Livesay said. “For the team, [the goal] would be to play together and focus on team success.”
Romero also spoke about the matchup she looks most forward to this season as she looks to see out her college career.
“I am most excited to play Boston [University], because they typically have a history of doing well in the Patriot League and winning Conference, and so we usually have fun matchups against them,” Romero explained.
With a strong group of first-years and experienced leaders guiding them, Colgate softball is ready to tackle the challenges ahead. The team will look to turn its early-season struggles into growth, aiming for a deep run in the Patriot League.
